Retired Colonel Anthony Kyakabale, once a fierce rebel commander and close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, has died in Sweden, where he had lived for many years. His death marks the end of a life filled with courage, controversy, and redemption.
Kyakabale was one of the key figures in Uganda’s liberation struggle of the 1980s. He later became deeply involved in the Rwandan civil war, which led to the fall of former President Juvenal Habyarimana in 1994. Known for his discipline and strong military skills, he worked closely with the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), where his experience and regional connections were highly valued.
However, as time went on, his friendship with President Museveni broke down. Disagreements and mistrust grew, eventually pushing Kyakabale into exile in Sweden. Even while living abroad, he continued to speak out about governance, peace, and reconciliation, urging African nations to choose dialogue over conflict.
Years later, in a move that surprised many, President Museveni pardoned Kyakabale, allowing him to return home. Upon his return, the former rebel was appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation. In that role, Kyakabale dedicated his efforts to promoting national unity and healing, reaching out to both old allies and former rivals.
Friends and family describe him as a man who had seen the worst of war but never lost hope in the power of peace. From the dense battlefields of East Africa to quiet exile in Europe, and finally to reconciliation with the government he once opposed, Col. Anthony Kyakabale’s story is one of transformation and resilience.
His passing in Sweden closes a significant chapter in the history of Uganda’s liberation generation—men and women who fought for change, faced exile, and, in some cases, found peace before their final rest.
